To wonder if you could do this walk?

[elliejjtiny]

Just wondering who could do this walk, 9 miles a day in 3 separate walks. All of it while carrying a 10kg toddler in a sling, 6 miles pushing a 4 year old in an NHS wheelchair as well which means walking hunched forward as a wheelchair made for a 4 year old is tiny.

I used to do 6 miles a day with the double buggy when children were a bit younger and I think I'm fairly fit (though chunky) but I don't think many people would be able to do that walk. I think the wheelchair would break before I did though, as it's really not designed for that kind of use.

In the interests of not drip feeding, this is about DS2's entitlement to school transport. Currently catching a bus that is often not wheelchair accessible and costs me £51 a week (from April will be £60 a week). I don't drive, school is our nearest, School transport services said I need to provide a letter from my GP to explain why I can't walk that far in those conditions before they will look at DS2's claim. He is currently at school part time, DS1 is in year 2, full time. DH works 8-6 plus overtime. No breakfast/afterschool club. We live in the back end of nowhere and can't afford to move.

Just thought I would check I'm not being pathetic before I ask the GP to write a letter saying I have notpaularadcliffe disease.

[elliejjtiny]

Just realised I only answered some of the questions. He doesn't have a statement. He's at the closest school to us but not the catchment school as the catchment school is further away and not on a bus route. Trying not to out myself but the school is on an estate where most of the children live. Most of the parents either don't have a car or one parent works full time and takes the car with them. We are the only ones who live this far out.

[McHappyPants2012]

No way is that possible daily, especially in the winter months

[OwlLady]

why doesn't he have a statement? surely he needs a statement for his personal care needs?

are you claiming dla? (I am just think of the mobility element for the car ifthe physical disability is severe) Can you drive?

[elliejjtiny]

No I can't drive. He gets middle rate care and high rate mobility dla. He can walk very short distances so he can get out of his chair to go to the toilet but the class TA takes him so she can open the door, help him wash his hands, use the hand dryer and make sure he doesn't fall in. He can wheel himself slightly longer distances (so around the school but not 1.5 miles). I've asked the SENCO to apply for 1 to 1 funding for him but he doesn't qualify. He gets a 1 to 1 when they leave the school grounds to push his wheelchair but that's it. The class TA does everything else (she is a saint).

[OwlLady]

surely he should be getting higher rate care if he can only get in and out of chair and do minimal walking?

You can get carers grants too, which you could put towards driving lessons (if you want, it's only a suggestion) there is information on carers uk about this

have you tried talking to parent partnership or similar reference a statement?

[onceortwice]

I could do it. But I damnful sure wouldn't WANT to HAVE to do it 5 days a week in all sorts of weather.

SO, IMHO, it's unreasonable that you would be expected to do that simply to access school / education.